Monterey Bay Festival of Birds
2023-02-01 08:00 - 20:00, 2023-02-02 08:00 - 20:00, 2023-02-03 08:00 - 20:00, 2023-02-04 08:00 - 20:00, 2023-02-05 08:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Monterey Bay Festival of Birds
Thursday – Saturday, October 13 – 15

The Monterey Bay Bird Festival is put on by the Bird School Project This is our second year hosting the festival and we are so excited to bring this birding event and celebration back to life for our local and worldwide community! We are forever grateful to the loyal attendees, field trip leaders, workshop presenters, keynote speakers, local businesses, government municipalities, local non-profit organizations, and an army of volunteers who have helped to put on the festival throughout the years.
Monterey Bay has a unique natural landscape and a diversity of birds. We want to continue to highlight the magnificence of our region and create a hub where people of all backgrounds feel included and eager to explore the magical world of birds. You can look forward to interactive workshops and field trip options throughout the many communities of Monterey Bay. This festival will be full of fun community connections, food, music, and a keynote speaker.

Check out this amazing schedule: https://www.birdschoolproject.org/3day-festival-schedule

Toddler Time Ocean Storytime and Crafts!
2023-02-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, 35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Toddler Time Ocean Storytime and Crafts!
Wednesdays 10 – 11am
Come join us at the Sanctuary Exploration Center across from the Santa Cruz Wharf each Wednesday morning to do some ocean-themed crafts, listen to a story, and explore the Exploration Center!

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2023-02-01 13:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Farmers Market, Cedar St & Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Downtown Farmers Market
Wednesdays, May – Oct 1 – 6pm; Nov – April 1 – 5pm
The Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-6pm May through October and 1-5pm November through April. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. Established in 1990, many of the farms that sell here were and remain pillars of the organic and ecological farming movement. This is the place to eat with the seasons! The variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, pastured meats and other products is swoon worthy.
The Downtown Market also spotlights a large variety of up-and-coming, unique cultural food businesses. This weekly spot may serve up the most diverse selection of ethnic foods in the county including momo, naan and curry, Japanese fermented misos, Eritrean dishes, crepes, El Salvadorean pupusas, traditional Italian cookies, fish and chips and long-ferment fresh breads. Shopping at the Wednesday market is a wonderful way to support regional responsible farms and small local businesses. Fill your grocery bags! Then sit down for a delightful meal and rest your weary arms.

R.E.A.D.: Reach Every Amazing Detail
2023-02-01 15:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
R.E.A.D.: Reach Every Amazing Detail
Wednesdays 3 – 5pm through March 1, 2023

R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Wednesdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Capitola and La Selva Beach Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Dads Support Group
2023-02-01 19:00 - 20:00 | RC Fam Center, 1205 Freedom Bl #B3, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Dads Support Group
Wednesdays 7 – 8pm

Join us in this group of fathers where you will find a community to share the challenges and joys of being a father. The topics covered will be guided according to the needs and interests of the parents. The group will be relaxed, confidential, and facilitated by a dad who is a member of the community.

Acompáñenos a este grupo de papás donde encontrará comunidad para compartir los retos y gozos de ser padre. Los temas tratados serán guiados según las necesidades e intereses de los papás. El grupo será relajado, confidencial y facilitado por un papá que es miembro de la comunidad.

Baby chicks coming soon!
2023-02-02 | General Feed and Seed, 1000 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Baby chicks coming soon!
Thursday February 2 and more!

You must come see our baby chicks!
Cuckoo Maran (dark chocolate colored eggs), Americana (Easter egg blue,green,or pink eggs, Buff Orpington (brown eggs),and Delawares also (brown eggs)
!!
#isitspringyet #fresheggsfromhappychickens#

New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
2023-02-03 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
Join us on the 1st and 3rd Friday, 11am – 12:30pm, beginning June 17
This support group is for parents who have experienced stillbirth or early infant loss. Our group is here to provide support and connection to parents as we know losing a baby can be an isolating and devastating experience. This group is led by trained peer facilitators who have also experienced infant loss.<
Our groups are 90 minutes (1.5 hours) in length. The first ~30 minutes is providing information, education, and establishing group guidelines. The next ~60 minutes is “talk time,” in which group members share and talk with each other. Group members must be present for the group guidelines before joining in the discussion or “talk time.”
Register at http://bit.ly/FindSupportGroup

Free Day Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
2023-02-03 11:00 - 16:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Free Day Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

First Fridays of the Month, 11am – 4pm

Hey! Free day! Pop-on by for a dose of nature connectedness.

Access to the Museum is for everyone, which is why we offer free admission every month on the first Friday. Join us.

Make and Explore Live Oak Library
2023-02-03 15:00 - 16:30 | Live Oak Library, 2380 Portola Drive, Live Oak, CA, 95062, United States
Make and Explore Live Oak Library
Fridays, 3 – 4:30pm through April 28

Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts, Model building, and Exploration of the environment around us.
Please allow at least 30 minutes to complete a project.
Children under 7 yrs old will need an adult present to help them. Expect to get messy!

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2023-02-03 15:00 - 17:00 | SPCA, CA, United States
Friday Pet Food Pantry
Fridays 2-5pm
Just a friendly reminder that our Pet Food Pantry is still happening every Friday from 3-5pm!
Donate anytime!

Triple P Workshop: How to Help Your Child Deal with Bullying
2023-02-03 17:30 - 19:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
Triple P Workshop: How to Help Your Child Deal with Bullying
Friday, February 3, 5:30 – 7pm
Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop to learn:
• How to recognize different types of bullying
• Common reasons why children bully others
• What you can do if your child is being bullied
Register: https://bit.ly/Bullying-Feb27
Presented IN ENGLISH on Zoom by Cori Burt, Triple P Practitioner
Got questions? Contact Cori Burt (831) 252-1137 or cmburt12@gmail.com

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2023-02-04 08:00 | Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Room 450, Aptos, 95003, United States
Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
Saturdays 8am-12pm, year round, rain or shine
Voted America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California
In 2011, 2012, and 2013 our farmers markets were voted “America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California.” Additionally, Coastal Living Magazine named the Aptos Farmers Market one of “The Coast’s Best Farmers Markets.”
Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses, locally produced olive oil, fresh pasta and gourmet sauces, organic juices, handmade sauerkraut, Corralitos smoked sausages and bacon, artisan breads and baked goods, organic honey, mushrooms, sprouts and microgreens, farm fresh eggs, flowers, potted plants, seedlings, herbs, and an unsurpassed selection of certified California grown fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Additional Market Attractions
Professional sharpening services are available for knives and gardening tools year round.
Our other Markets: Carmel, Del Monte, Monterey

Gateway School Day Tours
2023-02-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Gateway School, 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Gateway School Day Tours
Saturday, February 4, 9 – 11am
Kindergarten and 1st Grade Open House
Learn about the independent school experience for Kindergarten and 1st grade. Meet our teachers, visit our classrooms, and participate in fun learning activities. You’ll also have the chance to tour our campus and learn more about Gateway’s unique approach to learning.

Join us for a tour to see our classrooms in action, including a look into each grade, and learn about our program.
Tuesday, February 7, 9 – 11am
Tuesday, March 7, 9 – 11am
Tuesday, April 11, 9 – 11am

Home Depot Kids Workshops
2023-02-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Home Depot Watsonville, 355 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Home Depot Kids Workshops
1st Saturdays of the month, 9am – 12pm

Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.

Soquel , 2600 41st Avenue, Soquel, 95073, (831)462-5650 Register

355 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076,(831)786-9877, Register

Fungus February
2023-02-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Fungus February
BIG NEWS Registration is now open for #FungusFebruary events! These walks, talks, and workshops will fill fast, so sign-up today.

FULL 2/4 Mushroom Walk with Phil Carpenter
Join Phil Carpenter for a walk in the woods searching for fungi! Phil is one of the leaders of the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz. Learn more

2/4 Nature Club: Finding Fungus at DeLaveaga (Grades 6-8)
Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. This month we will explore the forests and trails of DeLaveaga Park looking for a kingdom of life best viewed in the winter: fungi! The great variety of trees in these forests supports a huge amount of fungal life. Learn more about the amazing decomposers and how they support their ecosystems!Learn more

2/8 Nature Journal Studio
Nature journaling can help us view the natural world with new perspectives, learn about our surroundings, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary. During monthly Nature Journal Studio sessions inside the Museum, Melinda Nakagawa will guide you through a topic as we practice skills in a group setting and share our learning with others. February’s theme will be Finding Fascination with Fungi. Learn more

FULL 2/11 Mushrooms of the Santa Cruz Mountains Walk with Christian Schwarz
Join Christian Schwarz for a guided exploration of the beauty and biodiversity of the Santa Cruz Mountains with a particular emphasis on the mushrooms of the redwood coast. Hone your observational skills and celebrate the myriad creatures that surround us during this limited capacity walk. There is another session on February 12. Learn more

FULL 2/12 Mushrooms of the Santa Cruz Mountains Walk with Christian Schwarz
Join Christian Schwarz for a guided exploration of the beauty and biodiversity of the Santa Cruz Mountains with a particular emphasis on the mushrooms of the redwood coast. Hone your observational skills and celebrate the myriad creatures that surround us during this limited capacity walk. There is another session on February 11. Learn more

FULL 2/11 Family Fun: Mushroom Scavenger Hunt!
Join educators from the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a scavenger hunt in the woods! We’ll look for mushrooms and make observations of their fascinating features. Family Fun programs are great for elementary aged kids and their families, but all ages are welcome.Learn more

2/15 Book Talk: The Lichen Museum with Laurie Palmer
Laurie Palmer’s forthcoming book, The Lichen Museum, explores how the physiological characteristics of lichens provide a valuable template for reimagining human relations in an age of ecological and social precarity. Using this tiny organism as an emblem through which to navigate environmental and social concerns, Palmer implores us to envision alternative ways of living based on interdependence rather than individualism and competition. Learn more

FULL 2/18 The Art of Fungi Workshop with Andrea Dingeldein
Join Andrea (science illustrator) and Marisa (fungiphile and Museum staff) for a day full of fungal exploration — from forest foraging to science illustration! Bring along your own nature journaling tools and materials or use the ones provided, and walk away with a new set of skills and knowledge to help you connect with nature. Learn more

FULL 2/25 Member Meet-Up: Lichens with Ken Kellman
Lichens are all around, yet seldom understood. Join us for a special Member Meet-Up with Museum Member Ken Kellman, where we will look closely at a variety of lichen species and learn to better understood their unique qualities. Member Meet-Ups are free, small group get-togethers in nature exclusively for Members of the Museum — join today! Learn more

Westside Farmers Market
2023-02-04 09:00 - 13:00 | Westside Farmers Market, Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Westside Farmers Market
Saturdays 9am – 1pm, year round

The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every week, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive, situated on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt. This market serves the communities of the west-end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the UCSC Campus. It is just a hop, skip and a jump from Downtown.
Foodies Unite
This market is proud to have been named best market by the Santa Cruz Metro’s, “Peoples Poll” multiple times. The market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, wine, body products, tinctures, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats, flowers and eggs along with cook-to-order cuisine, live local music and full espresso bar operated by up-and-coming Santa Cruz-based roaster 11th Hour Coffee.
With easy access and an abundance of free parking, this market makes for a convenient and celebratory Saturday morning outing.

2023 Parenting Power Summit
2023-02-04 09:30 - 14:00 | Head Start, 225 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
2023 Parenting Power Summit
Saturday, February 4, 9:30am – 2pm

Central Coast Early Childhood Advocacy Network is pleased to announce that registration for the 2023 Parenting Power Summit is now open.
This free bilingual community event is open to ALL. Join Summit in Watsonville at the Head Start Center on Saturday, February 4th from 9:30am to 2:00pm. You are invited to register to participate.

Join us to build community and support thriving families. Together, we will:

Connect our Central Coast Mental Health needs to collective action & advocacy
Build relationships with other parents and local elected officials
Elevate the resilience of our families
Amplify family voices through storytelling and movement-building

The event will primarily be conducted in Spanish with simultaneous interpretation for all participants to speak and listen in their preferred language.
Childcare will be available for children ages 3-12. Advanced registration is required for child care (via Eventbrite). In case of illness, please be sure to keep children at home.
Email info@first5monterey.org for more information.

Visit: https://bit.ly/3HgRU2f

Familypower: Starting Strong
2023-02-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
Familypower: Starting Strong
Saturday, February 4, 10 – 11am
Through puppets and fun, interactive stories, learn how to introduce People Safety Skills and to continue to practice them in your daily life. Help your child learn how to handle a friend saying something mean, check first before touching something unsafe, move away from someone doing something that could be hurtful, and get help from you effectively, even when you are busy.

De-stressing Dinner: Helping Our Children Develop Healthy Relationship with Food - and with Us
2023-02-04 10:00 - 11:30 | online
De-stressing Dinner: Helping Our Children Develop Healthy Relationships with Food – and with Us
Saturday, February 4, 10 – 11:30pm
From the first attempted latch, through countless after-school snacks to the last dinner before moving off to college, feeding our children is a golden opportunity to give them the experience of being nourished, nurtured and loved. But, sometimes, our issues and stresses get in the way.
Join certified parenting educator, Tina McRorie, for this 90 minute online workshop (part of the Attached at the Heart Parenting Program from Attachment Parenting International) and gain insights and skills to bring more ease and joy into our feeding interactions with our children – from birth to launch.

Daughters & Sons of the Beach Ukele Jam
2023-02-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Beach behind Crow’s Nest, CA, United States
Daughters and Sons of the Beach Ukele Jam
Saturdays, 10am – 12pm

Strum Along every Saturday 10am -12pm, on the beach behind the Crow’s Nest
Upcoming Uke Song List
Strum Along every Wed 3:30 pm, on the beach behind the Crow’s Nest
Oldies but Goodies Movie Clips Search SOB old handouts

Sons of the Beach – Paul Ruiz – paulatthebeach@hotmail.com m

World Wetlands Day
2023-02-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Watsonville Wetlands, 500 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
World Wetlands Day
Saturday, February 4, 10am – 12pm

World Wetlands Day is coming up this Saturday, February 4th, and we hope you will join us for this fun, family event at Struve Slough from 10am-1pm. Leading up to World Wetlands Day, we want to highlight some other amazing wetlands in northern and central California that you might like to visit.

A local treasure in Del Rey Oaks, the 17-acre Frog Pond is composed of a unique arrangement of habitat including frogs, deer, hummingbirds, towhees, mallards, and western fence lizards. Plant life in the preserve includes beautiful Coast Live Oak, Arroyo Willow, and Monterey Pine trees, as well as colorful Big Leaf Periwinkle (blue flowers appear in the spring). It is an excellent place for birding. The ¾ mile trail loop is family- and dog-friendly (dogs must be leashed).

Parking is limited, along the shoulder of Canyon Del Rey Road. Access is limited to daylight hours from sunrise to sunset.

We look forward to seeing you this Saturday, 2/4, for our World Wetlands Day celebration at Struve Slough.

MEET: The wetland trail entrance below the lower Nob Hill shopping center parking lot (swipe to see map). Look for the Monarch butterfly memorial mosaic sculpture near the trailhead (see photo).

EVENT SCHEDULE:
10am-12pm: Plant native plants, restore wetland habitat, enjoy live music by Youth mariachis from Activities 4 All / Mariachi Ilusión
11am-1pm: Celebrate the wetlands with fun activities including environmental education booths, storytelling, bi-lingual family birdwatching, and crafts.
Participating organizations include Bay of Life, The Bird School Project, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, MILPA, the Pajaro Valley Ohlone Indian Council, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Extended Learning, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Save Our Shores, and Watsonville Brillante.

This event is fun for the whole family! See you on Saturday!

Nature Club: Finding Fungus at DeLaveaga Park
2023-02-04 10:00 - 12:30 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Nature Club: Finding Fungus at DeLaveaga Park
Saturday, February 4, 10am to 12:30pm
We will explore the forests and trails of DeLaveaga Park, traversing about 3 miles of trails. The great variety of trees in these forests supports a huge amount of fungal life. Learn more about these amazing decomposers and how they support their ecosystems!
Saturday, February 4, 10am to 12:30pm
Location: DeLaveaga Park
Ages: 6th-8th grade
$10 | $5 Museum Members | Register
What is Nature Club?
Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum! Exploration and activities help kids learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and making new friends.

Nature Club: Finding Fungus at DeLaveaga Park
2023-02-04 10:00 - 12:30 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Nature Club: Finding Fungus at DeLaveaga Park
Saturday, February 4, 10am – 12:30pm
We will explore the forests and trails of DeLaveaga Park, traversing about 3 miles of trails. The great variety of trees in these forests supports a huge amount of fungal life. Learn more about these amazing decomposers and how they support their ecosystems!
DeLaveaga Park
6th-8th grade
$10 |$5 Museum Members | Register
What is Nature Club?
Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum! Exploration and activities help kids learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and making new friends.

Triple P Seminar: The Power of Positive Parenting
2023-02-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Triple P Seminar: The Power of Positive Parenting
Saturday, February 4, 11am – 12:30
Attend this FREE virtual seminar to learn how to :
• Provide positive learning environments for children
• Use assertive discipline
• Have realistic expectations and take care of yourself
Presented in English on Zoom. These Triple P Seminars are FREE and open to all Santa Cruz County families with children from birth to 12 years old
Register to get the Zoom meeting link: https://bit.ly/Positive-Parenting-Feb4
Got questions? Contact Mayra Martinez at mayram@cbridges.org
To view more FREE parenting classes visit: https://www.first5scc.org/calendar

Family Karaoke
2023-02-04 17:30 - 19:30 | RC Fam Center, 1205 Freedom Bl #B3, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Family Karaoke
1st Saturdays, 5:30 – 7:30

If anyone is feeling up to it (and healthy!), once a month RC Fam hosts family karaoke and games night. It’s basically kids, teens, and adults singing their fave Disney songs. Dads are usually the shy ones leading chess, puzzles, scrabble, etc

It’s co-hosted with Shared Adventures to ensure ALL our community members have access ♡This is the 3rd time doing it. And it’s definitely some of the most fun I’ve had with my kids!

We’re at the top of Marin St and Freedom Blvd.
Free fun where it’s dry, safe, and warm.

Free ♡ — at RC Fam.
